Golf: Ryder Cup means nothing, says sombre skipper Sam

When Sam Torrance was appointed Europe's Ryder Cup captain 18 months ago, he insisted the announcement was quickly made public so he could enjoy every possible minute in the job.

Yesterday, however, the strain caused by the chain of events following the terrorist atrocities in America was beginning to show.

The Scot was in a sombre mood as he spoke publicly for the first time about the postponement of next week's contest at The Belfry.

'It has been difficult to assess anything,' said Torrance, describing how he first reacted to the horrific pictures from America. 'It was difficult to function and it still is. It has put lot of things into perspective. It is a different world that we live in now. I can't even think about playing golf. I have got a young family with three kids growing up into a new world and that's what I am focusing on. Now golf is nothing - it is just a distant consideration.'

Torrance, 48, who was speaking at the European Tour headquarters at Wentworth, even hinted he might consider quitting the game if the nature of international tours change because of political events.

Although he would not commit himself, he said: 'I'm glad I am in my 30th year as a pro and not my first.'

Torrance played no part in the decision to postpone the 34th Ryder Cup match until September next year but fully supported the move. He also understood the motives of the Americans who, led by Tiger Woods, precipitated the postponement, feeling unable to travel overseas so soon after the attacks.

Torrance thought they would come to that conclusion when they returned home from last weekend's cancelled American Express event in Missouri. He said: 'The effect of this atrocity will hit us for a long time. It is right the matches will go ahead, but not yet - and there was never any question of that in my mind.

'Security fears didn't come into it. Once the American players got back to the bosom of their families from St Louis, the enormity of the tragedy hit them. I, for one, would not have wanted to move from home for a long time. I have never seen anything like it. The whole world is dumbfounded and numb, people are walking round like zombies.'

Torrance was briefly attracted to a proposal that next week's event be played under an altered format reflecting the solidarity his European players feel with the Americans. It was suggested the teams split, with six Europeans and six Americans playing matches against another team composed in the same way.

The concept, which was also e-mailed to US captain Curtis Strange would have avoided the logistical chaos that has followed the decision to postpone an event costing £30 million to stage.

Torrance said: 'It was a wonderful idea but it would have still been too soon for the Americans to travel.'

He also disagreed with those who have suggested that - by postponing the Cup - golf authorities on both sides of the Atlantic have given in to terrorism. 'I don't think cancelling or putting off the Ryder Cup is giving in to the terrorists,' he said.

'With the enormity of the horror, it is showing the world we understand this is one of the worst things that has ever happened.

'Golf is nothing, everyone is full of sadness and sorrow.'

Amid the disappointment and heartache, Torrance sees two silver linings. First, he feels the jingoism of Brookline might never reappear in the Ryder Cup.

And secondly, since next year's event will feature the same 12-man teams picked for next week, he thinks the extra year may work to Europe's advantage. 'I have a much younger team than the Americans and some of their players could be out of form,' he added.